The 8^th Siddha day on the theme Siddha for Public Health was organized on 19^th December 2024 at Anna Centenary Library Auditorium, Kotturpuram, Chennai-85, by Central Council for Research in Siddha, Ministry of Ayush, Govt. of India, in association with National Institute of Siddha, Ministry of Ayush, Govt. of India, and Directorate of Indian Medicine and Homoeopathy, Govt. of Tamil Nadu.

Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary Ministry of Ayush, Prof. Jegannathan president board of Unani Siddha and Sowa Rigpa, NCISM, Dr Raman Mohan Singh director PCIMH, Prof. Dr. Bhanumati chairman SAB CCRS, former Director National Institute of Siddha, Dr G Senthilvel, Director in charge NIS, Dr Meenakumari, former Director of National Institute of Siddha, Dr Partheeban Joint Director, Department of Indian Medicine and Homeopathy, Prof Dr NJ Muthukumar, DG CCRS and Dr S Selvarajan DDO CCRS were the dignitaries present in the event. Faculties of Siddha, scholars and students totaling to 1500 were present also present in the event.

Prof. Dr NJ Muthu Kumar, DG CCRS in his welcome speech briefed on the agenda of the 8^th Siddha day celebration including awards and honors for achievers in Siddha system of medicine.

Hon. Minister of Ayush, Govt. of India, Shri Prataprao Jadav virtually addressed the gathering, expressed his happiness for organizing 8^th Siddha day and congratulated Prof NJ Muthukumar DG CCRS and the CCRS team. He expressed his wishes for planning a Siddha expo for wide circulation of different aspects of Siddha and modern developments. He pressed the need for integration of the ancient Siddha system of medicine with modern medicine by celebration of Siddha day so that this system contributes to the health of people worldwide. He wished all success for the grand event of 8th Siddha day.

The secretary ministry of Ayush honored Dr T Anandan, former Director of SCRI, CCRS and Dr E Sasikala, Research Officer, Pharmacognosy SCRI, CCRS for contribution to Siddha Pharmacopoeia. The secretary honored Dr Jeyavenkatesh Kokila hospital Madurai, SAB Member CCRS for the Siddha Medical Service. Secretary Ministry of Ayush distributed medals for excellence for exceptional academic performance in studies by securing first rank from Kerala University, TN MGR medical University and National Institute of Siddha. Winners of mini projects scheme of CCRS were announced in the event and the winners received certificates from the Ayush secretary.

Dr Jegannathan from NCIM briefed various developments taken up by NCIM for the uplifting of Siddha system of medicine. Dr Raman Mohan Singh, Director PCIMH has briefed about the Pharmacopoeial standards developed by PCIMH for Siddha and the good news on publication of Siddha Formulary of India Part 3 Tamil and upcoming pharmacopoeial publications from Siddha system of medicine. Prof. Meenakumari, former director of NIS thanked Ayush ministry and CCRS for the support for the Guinness World Record NIS had created on Varmam and informed about the NCD and diabetes treatments at NIS. Prof G Senthilvel, Director in charge of NIS stressed upon the importance of Varmam therapy of Siddha and its wide acceptance in countries like Malaysia and the efforts taken by Siddha institutions for its propagation in other parts of India.

Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary Ministry of Ayush delivered a presidential address. He congratulated the Siddha community for conducting the 8th Siddha day. He commended the woman power of Siddha scholars who achieved accolades academics and mini projects. He congratulated inclusion of Kabasura kudineer as drug for National Clinical management protocol for COVID 19. He urged the young generation to capitalize these opportunities in Siddha. He urged hand-holding with IIT’s to facilitate start-up opportunities in Siddha through CCRS. The out-performance of Ayush sector 8 folded in the last 10 years with the support of the PM Narendra Modi ji and Ayush minister Prataprao Jadavji. In this golden era Ayush sector, he urged emerging Siddha doctors to utilize this opportunity. He appreciated the contribution of Central Council for Research in Siddha, National Institute of Siddha and Department of Indian Medicine and Homeopathy of Tamilnadu government in development of Siddha and National Ayush Mission. Ayush Health Management Information Systems (A-HMIS) developed by the Siddha fraternity for the National health system is appreciated by the secretary.

A medicinal plants expo comprising 240 authentic live plants and 130 raw materials, equipment used by ancient Siddhars, ancient books and life history of Siddha stalwarts, palm leaf manuscripts, various therapies of Siddha medicine were displayed. The Siddhayitool which is used for self-assessment of body constitution was made freely available at the venue.

Four plenary sessions - “Integrative approach in public health - Scope of Siddha System of Medicine” by Dr. Syed Hissar Scientist E, Dept. of Clinical Research, ICMR-NIRT, Chennai; “Worm to Warm" What Can We Do?” by Dr. G. Sivaraman Member, State Planning Commission, Chennai & Managing Director, Arogya Health Care Pvt. Ltd, Chennai; “Siddha way of preparedness to strengthen the new public health policy” by Dr. V. Balamurugan Siddha Physician, Amrutha Centre for Siddha Medicine, Chennai; and “Siddha Medicine, An integral part of public health initiatives” by Dr. P. Samundeswari Assistant Professor, Dept. of Varmam Maruthuvam, National Institute of Siddha, Chennai were also part of the event.

Siddha Formulary of India, Part 3 (Tamil version) and souvenirs of the 8^th Siddha day and Proceedings of National Conference on Ancient Wisdom of Siddha Medicine in Preventive and Promotive Healthcare organized by CCRS were released during the event.

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